Contents

Publisher's Summary

Unable to use their Bankai special abilities, the Shinigami captains are at a severe disadvantage against the invading Quincy army. Urahara has a plan to turn the tide of battle, but will it be enough as the Quincy continue their onslaught ?!

Chapters

551. The Burnt Offerings

Jugram Haschwalth discovers that he cannot advance any further due to a barrier that Nanao was able to create using the Reiatsu the Sternritter left lying around the Seireitei. Nanao explains that it was because of her talent in Kidō that she was made a lieutenant, though her captain says that there were other reasons to make her one. Haschwalth asks if she was the only one who knows this, which Nanao confirms to be the case. As an explosion near Shunsui Kyōraku's and Nanao's location startles them, Haschwalth states that if she had taught her new Kidō to the other captains, they would have died fighting rather than be executed.

Elsewhere, Hitsugaya tries to flee from Bazz-B. He releases an ice mist, which Bazz-B easily dispels. After Bazz-B taunts Hitsugaya for not using the time he was engulfed in the mist to hide, Bazz-B begins to get engulfed in large amounts of ice. Hitsugaya, however, watches on in total shock as Bazz-B almost immediately frees himself from his trap. Bazz-B uses Burner Finger 2 to grievously wound the captain. Cang Du arrives and reprimands Bazz-B for not upholding a promise, before moving in to finish Hitsugaya.

552. The Fundamental Virulence

While Cang Du continues his assault on the 10th Division, Urahara divulges the details of his discovery regarding the Quincy's ability to steal a Bankai.

Summary:

Cover of 552. The Fundamental Virulence.

Cang Du shrugs off Bazz-B's complaint, stating that Yhwach had ordered them to kill the captains whose Bankai they had stolen. Cang throws Rangiku Matsumoto, with a bloodied throat, onto the ground beside a shocked Hitsugaya. Cang says that people who have been together for awhile should die together, and then introduces himself as Sternritter I, The Iron. He activates Hitsugaya's Bankai. He comments that it is a beautiful Bankai, but also expresses his regret at letting Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, something that has been with Hitsugaya for awhile, stay alive.

Urahara begins to explain that he has found a way to disrupt and retrieve a stolen Bankai. As Mayuri reprimands Urahara for secretly inserting a communicator into his clothing, Urahara arrives through a Senkaimon. He asks Mayuri to help him with his plan, and points out the captain's secret room when Mayuri tries telling Urahara that he has no lab to work with. The staff of the SRDI begin rushing to enact the plan. Urahara then takes out some small tablets called "Shin'eiyaku", which are designed to prevent Bankai from being stolen. Urahara then compares Bankai to an Arrancar's Resurrección, as they have the same principles behind how they work. He then notes that although they recruited Arrancar into their army, the Wandenreich could not steal their Resurrección. Urahara theorizes that it is impossible to steal a Resurrección, and Mayuri theorizes that it would've been bad for a Quincy to steal one. Akon informs them that they located all the captains and will proceed with the plan.

Urahara begins talking to the captains and lieutenants, and distributes the Shin'eiyaku, asking those with Bankai to take it via physical contact. Hitsugaya absorbs the pill, as Cang watches on in confusion. Mayuri and Urahara discuss why the Quincy kill Hollows. Mayuri states that it is impossible to maintain hostilities against something mindless. The only conclusion he could come up with was that the hatred was created through fear of something that could kill them. Urahara confirms this and states that the Quincy have no natural way of defending against Hollows, and that if Hollow material enters them, their souls will be destroyed. He explains that by momentarily Hollowfying the Bankai, they will become dangerous to a Quincy. Elsewhere, Hitsugaya's stolen Bankai breaks in a burst of blood.

553. Frozen Cross

Hitsugaya and Suì-Fēng fight back against their Sternritter opponents as Urahara's invention takes effect.

Summary:

Cover of 553. Frozen Cross.

Cang wonders what is going on, and then he notices that Hitsugaya once again has his Bankai, shocking him. Hitsugaya, too, expresses confusion over the matter. Meanwhile, Ōmaeda hands Suì-Fēng the Shin'eiyaku as BG9 gathers data on her. The tablet works and Suì-Fēng, awakened by the sound of Urahara's voice, immediately activates her Bankai. She immediately fires it at the shocked BG9, dealing a direct blow to the Sternritter.

Cang warns Hitsugaya to not be cocky, and attacks him with the part of his Bankai that is still under his control, though the attack veers off course. Hitsugaya explains that his Bankai cannot attack itself, though Cang demands that Hitsugaya not act like it has a soul. Hitsugaya shrugs this off and fully summons Hyōrinmaru, taking the form of an ice dragon with black markings. Cang, shocked by the turn of events, then notices that his wings have vanished. Cang prepares to attack, but before he can, Hitsugaya completely freezes him in ice. Hitsugaya expresses his regret at not making the ice casing into the shape of a Quincy Cross.

554. Desperate Lights

Bazz-B comments on how disappointing it was for Cang to take over the fight only to lose. Hitsugaya expresses his relief that it is over, and then tells Rangiku that he is coming for her, but he collapses from his injuries.

Elsewhere, Uryū and Yhwach discuss the captains recovering their Bankai. Uryū asks if Yhwach predicted that something like that would happen, which Yhwach confirms. Bambietta, meanwhile, complains about how her fellow Sternritter are shocked at losing the stolen Bankai, as it wasn't their power to begin with. She also complains about Komamura not being around to fight her. She turns to check if her team was paying attention, but finds that they aren't there. This infuriates her to the point of causing a massive explosion around her. She openly states her threat about humiliating her, and decides to level the area around her to find them.

Komamura arrives, causing Bambietta to comment on his helmeted appearance. She then remarks that he should've come after she caused some destruction. Shinji Hirako appears behind her, telling her that he can't sit around and watch the Seireitei be destroyed. Bambietta begins to question him, but quickly finds herself under the influence of Shinji's Zanpakutō, Sakanade. Shinji explains his Zanpakutō's ability, and expresses his displeasure at having to kill a girl.

Yhwach continues to explain the logic behind his prediction, well aware that the Shinigami wouldn't have done nothing in response to the stolen Bankai. However, he also states that it is a delightful thing for the Sternritter. Komamura and Shinji are surprised when Bambietta activates Quincy: Vollständig. Bambietta explains how it couldn't be used while she had a Bankai in her possession. Elsewhere, various other Sternritter activate their Vollständig.

In Mayuri's lab, Mayuri and Urahara comment on the situation, when suddenly Urahara gets a call from Ichigo.

555. THE HERO

As Ichigo heads towards the Seireitei, Bambietta's comrades discuss the activation of the Vollständig.

Summary:

Cover of 555. THE HERO.

In the Soul King Palace, Tenjirō Kirinji states they are ready and asks Ichigo if he is ready. Stepping forward in new clothes, Ichigo confirms this and ask them where the Tenchuren is. Kirinji says that he is walking and Senjumaru Shutara causes a set of spiraling stairs to manifest below the platform they are standing on. Kirinji tells Ichigo it will only take one week to reach the Seireitei if he uses Shunpo and wonders if Ichigo will react like he expects, only for Ichigo to state this is okay with him. When a surprised Kirinji says the Seireitei is very far away, Ichigo states it will only take him half a day to reach the Seireitei if he hurries.

Laughing, Ichibē Hyōsube notes Ichigo finally stopped overreacting before revealing the Wandenreich began attacking 3 hours ago. Shocked, Ichigo launches himself down the staircase and tells Ichibē to tell him such things earlier. Kirio Hikifune throws a package of food after Ichigo for him to eat if he gets hungry along the way. Catching it, Ichigo says he will eat it if he gets hungry while fighting and thanks her. Noting Ichigo has changed, Hikifune states Ichigo has become strong and says his wavering Reiatsu is just a memory now. Ichibē states both Ichigo's body and soul became stronger before saying Ichigo has become a real Shinigami.

Meanwhile, as Ichigo tells him it will take some time for him to get to the Seireitei, Urahara states he understands and tells Ichigo to be careful. Telling Urahara to resist until he arrives even if the fight gets tough, Ichigo says he will definitely do something. Smiling, Urahara states this is fine and tells Ichigo they are waiting for him.

Amid the rubble of Seireitei, Shinji is struck by an explosion as he wonders what Bambietta's new form is. Elsewhere, as Candice Catnipp notes her Vollständig wings came out, Giselle Gewelle expresses surprise at Candice being able to use Vollständig and says she will not use hers because it tires her. As Candice angrily says she does not want to either, Meninas McAllon notes Bambietta is using hers. Confirming this, Liltotto Lamperd states Bambietta was already angry because they vanished. Saying Bambietta using her Vollständig is scary, Giselle states Bambietta is the last person in the world who should use it and says the fight will end swiftly.

556. The Wolfsbane

Komamura protects Shinji and Momo from Bambietta, before revealing the technique he learned from his great-grandfather.

Summary:

Cover of 556. The Wolfsbane.

As Shinji is thrown back by Bambietta's blast, the latter explains to him that his Zanpakutō's abilities are useless when she can just blow everything up with her ability, The Explode. Bambietta notices that Komamura wasn't injured by her blast, but is interrupted by Momo Hinamori appearing behind her. Momo attempts to use Tobiume, but Komamura stops her, saying that her Shikai won't be enough, and that she would need some sort of shield or armor to defend herself.

Komamura begins to analyze Bambietta's explosions, noting the short interval between their impact and the explosion itself. He deduces that with armor that can withstand the impact and a body that can sweep aside the blast, he has a chance. When he realizes that his attempt didn't work as planned, Bambietta explains that rather than firing Reishi bombs, her ability allows her to turn anything she fires Reishi at into a bomb itself. Komamura quickly orders Momo to get behind him before another explosion hits. Bambietta's next explosion causes his helmet to be blown off, revealing a Human face, surprising his opponent.

Komamura recalls his training with his great-grandfather, where he learns the secret of his clan's "Human Transformation Technique", which allows them to gain a human form and immense power for a period of time. Komamura asks his ancestor how he can learn the technique, to which the elder responds that he must gouge out his own heart in exchange for the ability to use it. Noticing Komamura's hesitation, his great-grandfather states that he doesn't have to, as he's not obligated to throw his life away for the Shinigami. Komamura responds that former Captain-Commander Yamamoto took him in and he owes him a debt of gratitude. Komamura vows to avenge Yamamoto's death at the hands of the Quincy.

Back in his fight with Bambietta, Komamura activates his Bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, along with its new form, Dangai Jōe.

557. 命はとうに置いてきた

As Bambietta wonders what is happening, Komamura's Bankai attacks her. She flies away and states she is surprised to see there is not a wolf under the armor of Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō. Bambietta attacks it, only for the Bankai to block it with its hand, with the damage rapidly clearing away. Komamura tells the confused Sterrnritter that Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō is an armored Bankai which had life infused into it and that Dangai Jōe casts aside this armor and leaves only Reiatsu and power. Komamura proclaims Bambietta's techniques cannot defeat him. Unable to accept that she cannot defeat it, Bambietta evades the Bankai's attack and launches more Reishi spheres at it, but to no avail.

Komamura notes Bambietta does not understand and explains that an object exploding is only fearful if the object has life within it. He reveals the life of his Bankai lies within its armor, stating that Dangai Jōe is its form after it has cast its life away. Bambietta says a Bankai does not possess a life of its own before pointing out how Komamura's Bankai is linked to its possessor. She fires a barrage of Reishi spheres at Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō's chest. When an explosion occurs on Komamura's chest, Bambietta is stunned when it reveals a hole in Komamura's chest where his heart would be. Komamura says his physical body is just an empty shell for defeating the Wandenreich, explaining that the Humanization Technique of his clan allows them to obtain immortal bodies by giving up their hearts. Komamura reveals he will not die as long as he is in his human form.

Expressing shock, Bambietta flies higher into the air, only for Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō to leap after her. Expressing disbelief, she criticizes Komamura for throwing his life away before saying that winning is meaningless if one throws their life away in battle. With her attacks failing to have any affect, Komamura states he put his life on the line rather than simply thrown it away. He says there is no reason for him to not stake his life on the battle which Yamamoto gave his life for. Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō slashes at Bambietta, resulting in an explosion engulfing her.

558. 狼の心臓

Looking at Sajin's heart in a bowl in front of him, his great-grandfather recalls the young Komamura and states he is proud of him for having acted like a real member of their clan.

Meanwhile, Bambietta expresses disbelief at the attack forcing its way into her skin as she is engulfed by a large explosion. Heavily burned, Bambietta falls from the sky and crashes into a building,

Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō dissipates and fur appears on Komamura's arm. The captain pleads for his Humanization Technique to last for a little longer until he can reach the Wandenreich's headquarters. Proclaiming he must defeat Yhwach, Komamura attempts to move forward, but the transformation progresses. Realizing what is happening, Komamura recalls his words on revenge to Kaname Tōsen when they fought. He then collapses and becomes a full wolf. As his sword clatters to the ground, Komamura wonders if this is the price for selling his soul to revenge.

In his cave, Komamura's great-grandfather comments the captain is feeling a thirst for revenge. Noting Komamura told Tōsen that revenge is simply the useless sacrifice of one's life, he states this is fine as revenge is what their clan is made for. He says that Komamura has come back to his clan and that his life as a human will end and he will become a vengeful beast. Saying Komamura can think about revenge until then, his great-grandfather states he still lives relishing this black resentment and thanks Komamura for doing this for him.

Elsewhere, Bambietta wonders how she could not only have been beaten by a Shinigami, but was the first of her group to lose and proclaims she cannot forgive this. As Candice, Giselle, Liltotto and Meninas appear around her, Giselle states they will help her as it will be lonely without her around, prompting Bambietta to beg her to not do so.

559. THE NIGHT RIGHT

As Yhwach passes judgement on BG9 and Cang Du, Mask attacks Hisagi, Ikkaku, and Yumichika. Rukia and Renji arrive in the Seireitei.

Summary:

Cover of 559. THE NIGHT RIGHT.

Haschwalth notes the battles appear evenly balanced, and further states that it is his role to tip the balance in favor of the Wandenreich. As Shunsui moves in front of Nanao, the wall behind them is destroyed. Revealing he had gradually absorbed the Reishi on his side of the barrier, Haschwalth notes it took him a considerable amount of time to do so and says it is a splendid technique. Nanao makes a motion with her hand, causing a new barrier to appear as she reveals she created a new wall while Haschwalth was absorbing Reishi. Nanao explains how the wall is comprised of smaller hexagonal plates joined together, asking if it appears to be weaker because it is not a single wall. Haschwalth confirms this before noting the appearance of it being weak means there must be a trap somewhere. As Haschwalth states he must resort to a less subtle method, he is surprised when he receives an order to return to Silbern. Haschwalth excuses himself and informs Shunsui that he will return when His Majesty orders it.

Meanwhile, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame and 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa discuss the fact that it is now nighttime. Climbing over the wall behind them, 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi expresses surprise upon seeing the pair. When Ikkaku asks him why he came here, Hisagi states he got lost before revealing the Wandenreich spread high-density Reishi all over the Seireitei in order to prevent the Shinigami from finding them. Saying they should not move rashly at night, Ikkaku states they will be doing exactly what the enemy wants if they move around in the shadows as Mask De Masculine appears above them.

At the Wandenreich HQ, BG9 and Cang Du sit tied up before Yhwach, who says he is going to judge the Sternritter who lost. BG9 begs him to wait and admits they lost before pointing out how the activation of their Quincy: Vollständig allowed them to recover. As BG9 states they can still fight for him, Yhwach says they should be grateful for their good fortune. Stating the scales of the fight must be fair, Haschwalth says the life saved by their good luck must be swept away with equal misfortune before slashing at Cang, only to express surprise when his blade is stopped. Cang asks Haschwalth if he forgot about his epithet, stating it is easy to stop his blade as his skin grows darker. Cang proclaims he will not be cut down by anyone but Yhwach. Noting this is Cang's second piece of good luck, Haschwalth asks him if he can see the scales of battle above him tipping, before slicing through Cang's body.

Meanwhile, Mask elbow-drops Hisagi into the ground and strikes a victory pose as a small man named James rings a bell. Noting they finished off almost all of the captain-level Shinigami whom they found, Mask proclaims it is sad to win without an audience. Seeing a light in the sky, Mask wonders what it is as Renji and Rukia land in Soul Society.

560. Rages at Ringside

Confronted by Kensei and Rose, Mask is initially overpowered by Kensei's Bankai, but turns the tables once James begins cheering for him.

Summary:

Cover of 560. Rages at Ringside.

Noticing Renji and Rukia falling toward Soul Society, Mask and James prepare to intercept them in order to attract attention, only for Hisagi to wrap Kazeshini around Mask's leg. After pulling Hisagi toward him and clotheslining him, Mask prepares to stomp him into the ground, only for 9th Division Captain Kensei Muguruma to stop Mask's foot with his own.

Criticizing Hisagi for having lost without displaying the results of his Bankai training, Kensei tells Mask he is Hisagi's captain. When Mask turns down fighting him because he wishes to confront Rukia and Renji, 3rd Division Captain Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi steps forward and points out how fighting 2 captains would make Mask stand out. When Kensei activates his Bankai, Tekken Tachikaze, a grinning Mask agrees to fight them before drop-kicking Kensei into a tower. Expressing disdain for Hisagi having been beaten by Mask, Kensei punches Mask in the stomach, cratering the area around them.

As Mask gasps for air, Kensei explains how Tekken Tachikaze allows him to create explosions by striking objects before punching Mask into a building. When James begins begging Mask to not lose, Hisagi tells Kensei he must get rid of James first as James tells Mask to get up. Appearing behind Kensei, Mask punches him into a tower and reveals his epithet to be "The Superstar".